Here’s to Gord !

MOST AVID ANGLERS no doubt know the name Gord Pyzer. Not only is he one of Canada’s most engaging fishing seminar presenters, he’s also a prolific writer about all things angling. From examining the latest trends driving the sport to simply sharing his expert tips for triggering bites, Gord covers it all. And he’s shared his incredible expertise through numerous publications, including In Fisherman, Just Fishing! and Bassmaster, as well as blogs and podcasts, such as Outdoor Journal Radio

It’s through his contributions to Outdoor Canada, though, that Gord has long reached the widest audience of knowledge-thirsty anglers. In fact, this year marks the 40th anniversary of his first official contribution. From that first article, Gord would go on to write regular features, as well as his ongoing column, culminating in becoming our fishing editor in 2001. And thankfully, he’s showing no sign of slowing down. This issue, for example, he writes about an effective alternative to trolling (page 20), the use of European pike tactics to catch muskies (page 42) and this year’s top new fishing gear (page 50), among other things.

Considering Gord is also an all-season hardcore angler—and a retired Ontario fisheries manager, to boot—it’s little wonder he has been inducted into not only the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame, but also the Canadian Outdoor Hall of Fame and the U.S.-based National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. On top of all that, he’s also earned numerous honours from the Outdoor Writers of Canada, as well as the National Magazine Awards. In Gord we trust? You bet. Here’s to many more years of him gracing our pages—and helping put anglers on the fish. OC

Contributors

A long-time career conservationist, Ontario contributor Robert Pye is the executive director of Watersheds Canada, which champions healthy freshwater lakes and rivers across the country. It’s a perfect role for Pye, who is also an avid fisherman. For this issue’s backpage Homage, he celebrates life as a dedicated angler.

Originally from southwest England, guest columnist Max Dickinson moved to Calgary five years ago, where he has completely embraced Canada’s outdoor lifestyle. This issue, he tackles the subject of why anglers and hunters should strive to leave behind a positive legacy. Turn to page 18 to read “Legacy lesson.”

Committed to promoting healthy fisheries through his Blue Fish Radio podcast and other projects, Ottawa’s Lawrence Gunther is also a dedicated angler—despite his lack of sight. Long accustomed to bringing a guide dog aboard his fishing boat, he offers valuable tips for enjoying a day on the water with your dog (page 48).

Ever since his first fishing trip at age five, long-time Saskatoon contributor Wayne Phillips has championed the sport of angling, in particular fly fishing. This issue on page 57, the veteran outdoor communicator and conservationist presents his annual overview of the best new fly-fishing gear for hitting the water in Canada.

ESTABLISHED 1972

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & BRAND MANAGER Patrick Walsh

MANAGING EDITOR Bob Sexton

ASSOCIATE EDITOR & WEB EDITOR Scott Gardner

ART DIRECTOR Sandra Cheung

FISHING Editor Gord Pyzer

HUNTING Editor Ken Bailey

PUBLISHER Mark Yelic

NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Rosemary Bubanovich, Dave Harkley

RETAIL AND CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT MANAGER Chris Holmes

MARKETING MANAGER Desiree Miller

DIRECTOR OF RETAIL MARKETING Craig Sweetman

AD TRAFFIC COORDINATOR Michaela Ludwig

DIGITAL COORDINATORS Lauren Novak and Blaine Willick

CIRCULATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE: Marissa Miller and Lauren Novak

CONTROLLER Anthea Williams

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WITH EXTENDED RANGE FOR OPEN WATER